Avalon State Park is situated on the A1A, in Fort Pierce, on Florida's Atlantic coast.
This is one of the newer Florida state parks and the newest beachfront park.
Here you will find more than a mile of absolutely natural beach front; this makes this park a haven for endangered species such as the atlantic green, loggerhead and leatherback turtle.
During the spring and summer the turtles will be nesting on the beach; however, no need to worry as a thoughtfull boardwalk means that the turtles remain un -disturbed.
Shelling on the beach is a very poular diversion and when you lift your head for a second you will delight in the stunning Florida coastline.
Bird watchers will want to use the nature trail on the west side; this area of coastal hammock is approached by a low marsh area and you must leave your car and walk this bit.
Tree huggers will note the red bay, gumbo lumbo, oak and mangrove. Among the plant life are coastal vervair, ink berry, giant leather fern and naked wood. All the latter are protected and you must not disturb them in any way.
This is one of the best places in Florida for fishing (and that is for sure saying something). Depending on the time of year you may catch Pompano, whiting, permit and red and black drums. Check with the park ranger for restrictions on the size and qquantity of fish you may catch. You will need a fishing license and these are freely available from any sports shop, larger Walmarts that have a sporting goods section or on line.
There are 2 pavilions that will provide some much needed shade for a picnic and there are also barbecues available on a first come first served basis for those that are more ambitious.
Swimmimg is to be approached with some caution due to lumps of concrete and steel. These are a legacy of world war two and were abandoned by the u.s navy.
The same goes for snorkellers who also must exercise some care. They will be richly rewarded if they take care and dive since they will experience a tropical sea scape wonderland they will remember for a very long time.
Do pack plenty to drink and during the hotter months some sunscreen and mosquito repellant for those pesky critters.
Avalon State Park is open every day of the year from 8 am til dusk and the cost is a massive nothing at all!
Full address is:
Avalon State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Pierce
Florida
34949
Tel 772 468 3985